Dave's Diary

Have you ever thought about how absurd the phrase “time management” is? I was just thinking about it and, as I am wont to do, was struck by the underlying semantic silliness of the what is to my mind yet another example of the ongoing corporatization of our lives. So, allow me to spend some time talking about time management.

While my dad and I get along really well, we don't talk a whole lot - besides the fact that we live in different cities, I'm pretty sure we share a dislike of small talk. I think we share a lot in common actually, and understand each other quite well. So, despite our infrequent chit chats, my dad's been a big influence on a lot of things in my life, not the least of which being my career development.

I and the whole staff at work attended a training last week on a "narrative" method of career counselling led by Mark Franklin, the practice leader of a company called Career Cycles. It's inspired me to write a bit about narrative therapy in general, especially as it applies to career development.

There were a lot of messages that I grew up with, whether it be from my parents, peers, or the all-encompassing influence of the media. One of the ones that sticks with me most to this day, and I'm not sure where it comes from, has to do with self-sacrifice.

Hi. It's me, Dave - I was one of the smiley, energetic people handing out popcorn last night when you came up to visit SFU for our open house, "Info Eve." Congratulations, by the way! It's a pretty cool experience to be offered acceptance to any university, let alone the top Canadian comprehensive school as ranked by Macleans. So, you've got good reason to feel proud of yourselves. I really could see that on a lot of your and your parents' faces last night. Way to go!

Leaving a position, an organization, and a field - especially one as positive as I've been in these last 4 or 5 years - always inspires mixed emotions. Excited, terrified, iinspired, sad, nostalgic - all are a part of saying goodbye. Here's why.

Sticking with something to the point where you develop enough skill to love it isn't easy, especially when considering career choices. So, if you don't feel 100% impassioned by your work right away, that's okay! Here's why.